What is Z in the following sequence of reactions?
Phenol`underset("dust")overset(Zn)toX underset("Alhyd. "AlCl_(3))overset(CH_(3)Cl)toY underset(KMnO_(4))overset("Alkaline")toZ` Phe

Options

A. Benzene
B. Toluene
C. Benzaldehyde
D. Benzoic acid

Answer

To determine what Z is in the given sequence of reactions, we will analyze each step carefully.

### Step 1: Reaction of Phenol with Zinc Dust
Phenol (C6H5OH) reacts with zinc dust (Zn) at high temperatures. The zinc reduces the hydroxyl group (-OH) of phenol, leading to the removal of the -OH group and the formation of benzene (C6H6).

**Product X:** Benzene (C6H6)

### Step 2: Friedel-Crafts Methylation
Next, we react benzene (X) with methyl chloride (CH3Cl) in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl3). This is a Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction, where AlCl3 acts as a catalyst to generate a methyl cation (CH3+), which then reacts with benzene to form toluene (C6H5CH3).

**Product Y:** Toluene (C6H5CH3)

### Step 3: Oxidation of Toluene
The final step involves the oxidation of toluene (Y) using alkaline potassium permanganate (KMnO4). Under alkaline conditions, the methyl group (-CH3) of toluene is oxidized to a carboxylic acid (-COOH) group, resulting in the formation of benzoic acid (C6H5COOH).

**Product Z:** Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH)

### Summary of Products:
- **X:** Benzene (C6H6)
- **Y:** Toluene (C6H5CH3)
- **Z:** Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH)

### Final Answer:
Z is Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH).

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